[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2007

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This is a very 
important designation because it helps to raise awareness about ovarian 
cancer and its symptoms.
  In the State of Connecticut alone, over 300 women are diagnosed with 
ovarian cancer each year. It is predicted that 190 women in Connecticut 
will die from ovarian cancer in 2007. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most 
common female cancer in Connecticut and the fourth most common cause of 
female cancer death in the State.
  Although in the United States approximately 20,000 women are 
diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and an estimated 15,000 women 
die of the disease, there is currently no screening test for ovarian 
cancer. Until there is a cure for this disease it is important to 
support and recognize the hard work that organizations are doing to 
raise awareness for this disease and its symptoms. I want to commend 
organizations like the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, OCNA, for its 
commitment to ensuring that women are aware of the symptoms of ovarian 
cancer and for its advocacy on behalf of the women and families who 
have been touched by this devastating disease.
  Early detection of ovarian cancer must be our focus and education and 
awareness are imperative. Studies have shown that if ovarian cancer is 
treated before it has spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival 
rate is 93 percent. However, only 19 percent of ovarian cancers are 
found at such an early stage.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing September as National 
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to work to increase awareness about 
this deadly disease.

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